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NuvaRing
Also known as the Birth Control Ring or Vaginal Ring

From Dawn Stacey M.Ed, LMHC, About.com

Updated August 12, 2009

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The NuvaRing is a comfortable, discreet, flexible vaginal ring that is about 2 inches in diameter. This is an easy and highly effective birth control method.

NuvaRing

Photo © 2009 Dawn Stacey
The simple and convenient NuvaRing is inserted it into the vagina once a month and left it in place for 3 weeks. The muscles in the vaginal wall will keep the ring in place. The birth control ring is removed after 3 weeks, which allows you to have your menstrual cycle. A new vaginal ring is then inserted (once the week is over) for continued pregnancy protection.

The NuvaRing slowly releases a low dose of synthetic hormones (estrogen and etonogestrel), which are activated by contact with the vagina. The walls of the vagina absorb the hormones and distribute them into the bloodstream to protect against pregnancy for one month.

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